Minister Fahad Jassim al-Freij (photo), who is also Deputy Commander of the Syrian Armed Forces, met his Iranian counterpart Hossein Dehqan and other officials, SANA said, publishing a picture of the meeting.
Dehqan reiterated Iran’s full support for Syria in its battle against terrorism, saying that dialog is the only solution to the crisis in the Arab country, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.
“The people and government of Syria, with their unparalleled resistance made bullying powers understand that by exporting terrorists, arming and supporting them, and launching military attacks, they cannot force the region’s Muslim nations to surrender,” he added.
The two-day visit comes as the Syrian military is facing increased pressure from insurgent groups on the ground there. The Army has been losing ground to insurgents who are edging closer to the coastal province of Latakia, an important government-held stronghold.
The visit was aimed at “strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two Armies ... especially in the face of terrorism and common challenges in the region,” SANA said.
On Monday an alliance of Islamist rebels including al Qaeda's Nusra Front wing seized an Army base in the northwestern province of Idlib, days after capturing a key town there.
Insurgents are attempting to push the Syrian military out of the province completely after seizing the provincial capital last month.
In January, Lieutenant Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Esmayeel Qaani underlined Tehran's continued logistical and advising support for Baghdad and Damascus in their campaign against terrorist groups.
“This (Quds force's assistance) is not a military presence (in Iraq or Syria), but it is military counseling that has persuaded resistance forces in Iraq and Syria to be determined in their fights against extremists and terrorists,” the Iranian Commander said.
Source: Reuters; F; Photo: SANA
